OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Thomas Kail for (“Life is a Cabaret”), Fosse/Verdon
Mike Flanagan for (“The Bent-Neck Lady”), The Haunting of Hill House
Park Chan-wook for (“Episode #2”), The Little Drummer Girl
Jean-Marc Vallée for (“Closer”), Sharp Objects
Ava DuVernay for (“Part 1”), When They See Us

AND THE WINNER IS:

AVA DUVERNAY FOR ("PART 1"), WHEN THEY SEE US

This is the second win and nomination for Ava DuVernay. She just co-won the writing prize for When They See Us (2019) as well.

DuVernay is one of the most important and vital voices in film currently working whether it be making strides as a director or using her name as a producer to push others voices to the mainstream. As the singular director of this Netflix miniseries she created perhaps her highest achievement in any of the media she has ever made before. Just thinking about the hours of research DuVernay must've done for this series and then used in her directing is spectacular to think of. The fact that every single member of the ensemble is wonderful from the young new talent to the well established tv actors is such a great achievement. All the elements of this series under the guidance of DuVernay is pefrect and all I can say is well done.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Craig Mazin for Cherobyl
Charlotte Stoudt for (“Where Am I Going”), Fosse/Verdon
Meredith Averill for (“The Bent-Neck Lady”), The Haunting of Hill House
Marti Noxon for (“Vanish”), Sharp Objects
Ava DuVernay, Julian Breece & Robin Swicord for (“Part 1”), When They See Us

AND THE WINNER IS:

AVA DUVERNAY, JULIAN BREECE & ROBIN SWICORD FOR ("PART 1"), WHEN THEY SEE US

These are the first wins and nominations for Ava DuVernay, Julian Breece & Robin Swicord.

Another prize for limited series is awarded to the brilliant production of When They See Us. While only four episodes long this series completely shattered me in such a quick amount of time. I was fully aware of the wrong doings of the supposed justice system having watched the nearly decade old documentary about the embarrasment that was the Central Park Five scandal. This first episode threw us right into the drama with most of the time dedicated to the early commited crimes that led to this young boys being taken advantage of so easily. The writing team as they did the whole season believably made us feel the pain in the choices that unfortunately were made whether by the kids of the parents of those kids who just wanted to save their offspring. Brilliant work by these writers as shown in the above clip which ended the first episode.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Luke Crain in "THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE"
John Leguizamo as Raymond Santana Sr. in "WHEN THEY SEE US"
Scoot McNairy as Tom Purcell in "TRUE DETECTIVE"
Chris Messina as Detective Richard Willis in "SHARP OBJECTS"
Ben Whishaw as Norman Scott in "A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL"
Michael Kenneth Williams as Bobby McCray in "WHEN THEY SEE US"

AND THE WINNER IS:

MICHAEL KENNETH WILLIAMS AS BOBBY MCCRAY IN "WHEN THEY SEE US"

This is the second win and eleventh nomination for Michael Kenneth Williams. He won with the ensemble of The Wire (2007). He was also nominated for The Wire (2003, 2005, 2008) and with the ensemble's of The Wire (2003-2004, 2008) & Boardwalk Empire (2012, 2014-2015).

I'm hoping beyond hopes that 2019 finally marks the moment for long time television star Williams to finally pick up a long overdue Emmy award. While I've not individually nominated him for his most recent miniseries/tv movie performances I've long recognized him with nominations for the groundbreaking series The Wire. In 2019's When They See Us he played the heartbroken father Bobby of one of the kids committed to serve a prison sentence for a crime they didn't commit. While not heavily featured throughout the four episodes like most supporting turns when spotlighted he was stunning. In such short screen time we saw this horrible moment in history fully break down his character and Williams expertly played every moment of this. I'm sure everyone who will have watched the series will have watched it by now and been moved extremely by Williams' performance.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Patricia Arquette as Dee Dee Blanchard in "THE ACT"
Patricia Clarkson as Adora Crellin in "SHARP OBJECTS"
Victoria Pedretti as Neil Crain in "THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE"
Margaret Qualley as Ann Reinking in "FOSSE/VERDON"
Eliza Scanlen as Amma Crellin in "SHARP OBJECTS"
Sissy Spacek as Ruth Deaver in "CASTLE ROCK"

AND THE WINNER IS:

ELIZA SCANLEN AS AMMA CRELLIN IN "SHARP OBJECTS"

This is the first win and nomination for Eliza Scanlen.

Like many I came into watching Sharp Objects for the casting combination of Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson. However, after watching the show the one true star whose turn I'll never forget is that of Eliza Scanlen. Playing Amma she was so in control of the character creation of the free natured towards the beginning of the series and the deeply upsetting hurt felt while her character was being punished by her mother near the end of the season. *SPOILER ALERT* The season end reveal that it was Amma all along makes the performance given by Scanlen even greater as we grew to love Amma seeing her as an innocent victim. However with this reveal she was the true villain of the piece made this choice to reward her even easier.

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Chris Geere as Jimmy Shive-Overlyfor ("Pancakes") in "YOU'RE THE WORST"
Bill Hader as Barry Berkman / Barry Block for ("The Truth Has a Ring to It") in "BARRY"
Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose for ("The Dress") in "SCHITT'S CREEK"
Rob McElhenney as Ronald "Mac" McDonald for ("Mac Finds His Pride") in "IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA"
Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta for ("A Tale of Two Bandits") in "BROOKLYN NINE-NINE"
Drew Tarver as Cary Dubek for ("Chase Gets a Nosebleed") in "THE OTHER TWO"

AND THE WINNER IS:

DREW TARVER AS CARY DUBEK FOR ("CHASE GETS A NOSEBLEED") IN "THE OTHER TWO"

This is the first win and nomination for Drew Tarver.

As with a lot of great television in recent memory I'd not been familiar with any of Tarver's work prior to watching The Other Two. He was a great joy to watch during the season whether is as hanging around with the insta gays, being Chase's gay brother or Cary having his own Call Me By Your Name moment in front of the fireplace. As I mentioned in my award for Molly I look forward to the show's second season and all the great comedy it will produce.

OUTSTANDING LEADING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch for ("I Want to Be Here") in "CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND"
Aya Cash as Gretchen Cutler for ("Zero Eggplants") in "YOU'RE THE WORST"
Justina Machado as Penelope Riera Alvarez for ("Anxiety") in "ONE DAY AT A TIME"
Catherine O'Hara as Moira Rose for ("The Hike") in "SCHITT'S CREEK"
Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag for ("Episode 4") in "FLEABAG"
Heléne Yorke as Brooke Dubek for ("Chase Shoots a Music Video") in "THE OTHER TWO"

AND THE WINNER IS:

CATHERINE O'HARA AS MOIRA ROSE FOR ("THE HIKE") IN "SCHITT'S CREEK"

This is the first win and third nomination for Catherine O'Hara. She was previously nominated for Six Feet Under (2003) & Temple Grandin (2010).

Moira Rose as a character is a stunning comedic creation and the fact I've not found room to nominate her in years prior is shameful. I've been watching the show since it first began and have loved it every year with O'Hara being one of the main reasons for its excellence. The fact she and the show earned main category Primetime Emmy nominations is still the greatest thing from this year's nominations. O'Hara's turn is perfectly crafted and is completely singular to the skill of Catherine. Who else could control a wild vocal creation like she has with Moira? I could go on for ages discussing O'Hara and her talents for comedy and I would, however, I just pled people to watch the show and live for the singular character that is Schitt's Creek's Moira Rose.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES

Pamela Adlon for (“Chicago”), Better Things
Rob Delaney & Sharon Horgan for (“Episode 6”), Catastrophe
Phoebe Waller-Bridge for (“Episode 1”), Fleabag
Debbie Wolfe for (“The Funeral”), One Day at a Time
Chris Kelly & Saran Schneider for (“Chase Drops His First Album”), The Other Two

AND THE WINNER IS:

PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE FOR ("EPISODE 1"), FLEABAG

This is the first win and third nomination for Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She was previously nominated for Fleabag (2017) and writing Killing Eve (2018).

If you've never watched a single second of Fleabag (at this point I can't think of anyone who hasn't) just watch this single season two episode and appreciate it's brillance. Every beat in this one episode is perfectly delivered which had me cackling the entire 25-30 mins the episode runs. Olivia Colman as the unnamed godmother especially stands out as she expertly deliver's so much of her dialogue. I could certainly return to this episode again and again as it almost acts like a mini television movie. Waller-Bridge is one of the most exciting writers currently working and I look forward to what she does next following her chosen conclusion to the Fleabag character.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES:

Bill Hader for (“ronny/lily”), Barry
Harry Bradbeer for (“Episode 4”), Fleabag
Mark A. Burley & John Cameron Mitchell for (“Mother of All Matches”), G.L.O.W.
Todd Biermann for (“Mac Finds His Pride”), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Chris Kelly for (“Chase Drops His First Album”), The Other Two

AND THE WINNER IS:

BILL HADER FOR ("RONNY/LILY'), BARRY

This is the second win and fourth nomination for Bill Hader. He previously won for Documentary Now (2016) and was nominated for Saturday Night Live (2013) & Barry (2018).

This episode that Bill Hader wins the directing prize for is unarguably one of the great episodes of television from this past season. It's a wild episode and honestly under the confident direction of Hader feels completely perfect in pace and delivery. While I'm not a die-hard fan of the show I do have to appreciate it's great moments especially in this second season where so much was done and done well.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Sian Clifford as Claire for ("Episode 3") in "FLEABAG"
Olivia Colman as Fleabag's godmother for ("Episode 1") in "FLEABAG"
Rita Moreno as Lydia Riera for ("Nip It in the Bud") in "ONE DAY AT A TIME"
Annie Murphy as Alexis Claire Rose for ("The Hospies") in "SCHITT'S CREEK"
Natasha Rockwell as Kelli for ("Better-Like") in "INSECURE"
Molly Shannon as Pat Dubek for ("Chase Drops His First Album") in "THE OTHER TWO"

AND THE WINNER IS:

MOLLY SHANNON AS PAY DUBECK FOR ("CHASE DROPS HIS FIRST ALBUM") IN "THE OTHER TWO"

This is the first win and second nomination for Molly Shannon. She was previously nominated for Enlightened (2013).

Molly Shannon has had such a great and varied decade in the 2010's with her work as the loveable Pat being the great bookmark to some spectacular work. She has always been a gifted comedian and now in her collaborations with Other Two co-creator Chris Kelly she has been able to play roles on another level. Throughout the great first season Pat was used as the character who thrived when thrown into the fame of her young son. In the season's penultimate episode which I've decided to be her standout moment we witness much of the character's history be revealed fully to Chase her young son who she tried to save from some of her character's tragedy. Shannon in moments on that plane is the funniest thing ever on this show and then at other times the character who hits be deep in the feels. The show thankfully was renewed for more than one season and we'll continue to experience Pat in all her greatness.

OUTSTANDING MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Chernobyl
Fosse/Verdon
The Haunting of Hill House
The Little Drummer Girl
Sharp Objects
When They See Us

AND THE WINNER IS:

WHEN THEY SEE US

This past television season for me has been all about the greatness of comedy and limited series. When They See Us was one of the last productions to air during the eligibility calendar and it quickly became my favorite thing eligible in this category. It's four hours were harrowing and deeply upsetting. I'll never forget watching it and if you have not watched I urge you too.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Tituss Burgess as Titus Andromedon for ("Kimmy is in a Love Square!") in "UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT!"
Todd Grinnell as Pat Schneiderfor ("Drinking and Driving") in "ONE DAY AT A TIME"
Sean Hayes as Jack McFarland for ("Tex and the City") in "WILL & GRACE"
Daniel Levy as David Rose for ("The M.V.P.") in "SCHITT'S CREEK"
Ken Marino as Streeter Peters for ("Chase Goes to a High School Dance") in "THE OTHER TWO"
Andrew Scott as The Priest for ("Episode 4") in "FLEABAG"

AND THE WINNER IS:

ANDREW SCOTT AS THE PRIEST FOR ("EPISODE 4") IN "FLEABAG"

This is the first win and nomination for Andrew Scott.

While I've watched a lot of Andrew Scott performancess during this past decade with Fleabag I have been knocked out by his work. He has always been a welcome presence in productions I've seen him in but as the hot priest he was playing on another level. His character wasn't really named the hot priest but like most who watched this season once he showed up there was nothing else he could've been called. Phoebe and Andrew truly did have fantastic chemistry and if the two somehow continue to work together in future projects I would not be mad at all.

OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES/SPECIAL

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Hannah Gadsby: Nanette
Homecoming: A Film By Beyonce
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Late Night with Seth Meyers
72nd Annual Tony Awards

AND THE WINNER IS:

HOMECOMING: A FILM BY BEYONCE

I bow down at the feet of Beyonce and as I mentioned during my post about her directing win if she continues this trend of televisual events I will enjoy every single moment of content she produces.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES/SPECIAL

Brandon Victor Dixon in RENT
Hannah Gadsby in Hannah Gadsby: Nanette
Vanessa Hudgens in RENT
Beyonce Knowles-Carter in Homecoming: A Film By Beyonce
John Oliver in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Cecily Strong in Saturday Night Live

AND THE WINNER IS:

CECILY STRONG IN SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

This is the first win and nomination for Cecily Strong.

Cecily Strong was just about the only reason I kept watching this season of SNL because as it has been recently the show rarely produces an entirely perfect episode with so many sketches falling flat for me. Strong is strong in everything she does but especially when she plays characters who visit the nearly unwatchable Weekend Update desk.

OUTSTANDING HOST OF A REAILTY COMPETITION PROGRAM

RuPaul Charles for RuPaul's Drag Race
Cat Deeley for So You Think You Can Dance
Phil Keoghan for The Amazing Race
Padma Lakshmi for Top Chef
Jeff Probst for Survivor

AND THE WINNER IS:

RUPAUL CHARLES FOR RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE

This is the fifth win and twelvth nomination for RuPaul Charle. This is his sixth consevutive win nd eleventh nomination in this category. He was also nominated for Broad City (2018).

While RuPaul reacted Meh to the above lip sync nothing about his hosting on Drag Race is in anyway meh. Sure sometimes the therapist sessions with the contestants can come off false but what about shows like this isn't fake. Ru has so much fun while hosting that I can't fully disagree with the show he does.

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL MUSIC AND LYRICS

Big Mouth ("I Love My Body")
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (“Love’s Not a Game”)
G.L.O.W. ("Kidnapped")
The Other Two ("Marry You at Recess")
Schitt's Creek ("A Little Bit Alexis")

AND THE WINNER IS:

SCHITT'S CREEK ("A LITTLE BIT ALEXIS")

I can't really describe this song, you just need to watch the whole thing and know that this was a perfect moment in comedic television from this past season. Props to Annie Murphy for perfectly devliering this standout number.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES/SPECIAL

Jon Old & Madeleine Parry for Hannah Gadsby: Nanette
Beyonce Knowles-Carter for Homecoming: A Film By Beyonce
Paul Pennolino for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Glenn Weiss for The Oscars
Glenn Weiss for 72nd Annual Tony Awards
Don Roy King for Saturday Night Live

AND THE WINNER IS:

BEYONCE KNOWLES-CARTER FOR HOMECOMING: A FILM BY BEYONCE

This is the first win and second nomination for Beyonce. She was previously nominated for directing Lemonade (2016).

While I didn't watch the Beychella event live I did watch the concert the day later and like many was blown away. Cut to a year later and Beyonce's Homecoming was a deep dive into both the concert and Beyonce's nearly year long commitment to the creation of this moment in the pop culture. This television concert special both showed the greatest of the spectacle that was Beychella and also the great journey that took Beyonce to great this event. If this every 2/3 exploration of how Beyonce works is a trend I'll gladly continue to watch all the product she produces.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES/SPECIAL

Writers Team for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Hannah Gadsby for Hannah Gadsby: Nanette
Beyonce Knowles-Carter for Homecoming: A Film By Beyonce
Writers Team for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Writers Team for Night with Seth Meyers
Dave Boone & Kelvin Yu for 72nd Annual Tony Awards

AND THE WINNER IS:

HANNAH GADSBY FOR HANNAH GADSBY: NANETTE

This is the first win and nomination for Hannah Gadsby.

Hannah Gadsby's Nanette was one of the most important events to air on television last year and as soon as it aired talk of it blew up. As a comedy special you could say it begins and for most of the running time is a traditional special where the comedian stands on stage delivered their set well. However, as everyone knows the last act of this special is where the meat really is where Gadsby beautifully delivers a true talk about her personal experiences relating to the metoo experience and this moment feels completely earned. This special is something I'll always appreciate and respect Gasby for having the confidence to deliver.

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY (DANCE/STUNT)

Shauna Duggins for (“Every Potato Has a Recipe”), G.L.O.W.
Alison Faulk for (“Mac’s Dance”), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Ryan Heffington for ("I Wanna Dance With Somebody"), Pose
Brian Friedman for (“Dem Beats”), So You Think You Can Dance
Travis Wall for (“It Takes A Lot to Know a Man”), So You Think You Can Dance

AND THE WINNER IS:

ALISON FAULK FOR ("MAC'S DANCE"), IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA

This is the first win and nomination for Alison Faulk.

Even in its thirteenth season, It's Always Sunny... can still amaze me with its boldness and brilliance. In this season's finale entitled "Mac Finds His Pride" Mac who earlier in the season finally admitted to his sexuality had to come out fully to his father. Rather than traditionally present this hard moment in any queer person's life Philadelphia presented it in a captivating dance sequence. The whole performance is in the video above and even if you've never watched the show you have to appreciate the skill and talent shown by Faulk in creating this number. 

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Matt Bomer as McCoy Whitman for ("Anchor Away") in "WILL & GRACE"
Leslie Jordan as Beverley Leslie for ("Tex and the City") in "WILL & GRACE"
Lin Manuel-Miranda as David Santiago for ("The Golden Child") in "BROOKLYN NINE-NINE"
Peter MacNicol as Jeff Kane for ("Veep") in "VEEP"
Paul F. Tompkins as Paul F. Thompkins for ("Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Sunday Funday") in "YOU'RE THE WORST"
Zachary Quinto as Eli Rubin for ("Kimmy Says Bye!") in "UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT!"

AND THE WINNER IS:

PAUL F. TOMPKINS AS PAUL F. THOMPKINS FOR ("BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTY SUNDAY FUNDAY") IN "YOU'RE THE WORST'

This is the first win and third nomination for Paul F. Tompkins. He was previously nominated for voicing Bojack Horseman (2016, 2019).

You're the Worst is probably the most underappreciated comedy that I have loved this decade. As a show it began horribly in its first season but as I kept watching it became one of the best things on television. Cut to this final season and this particular turn by Paul F. Tompkins and wow. It was so dark and so funny that I was feeling everything he was asked to do in this final Sunday Funday to end all Sunday Fundays. You just need to watch this episode and this series because it's a great show that I'll keep with me as we go into the new decade of television comedy.

OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOVIE

The Act (“Two Wolverines”)
Fosse/Verdon (“Life is a Cabaret”)
Game of Thrones (“A Night of the Seven Kingdoms”)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (“Simone”)
Pose (“Pilot”)

AND THE WINNER IS:

POSE ("PILOT")

This is the first win and nomination for the first season hairstyling team for Pose.

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Hong Chau as Audrey Temple for ("Stop") in "HOMECOMING"
Lu Corfield as Sarah for ("Episode 3") in "SEX EDUCATION"
Jessica Lange as Constance Langdon for ("Return to Murder House") in "AMERICAN HORROR STORY: APOCALPYSE"
Andrea Martin as Francesca Lovatelli for ("The One Inspired By Roy Cohen") in "THE GOOD FIGHT"
Carice van Houten as Melisandre for ("The Night Night") in "GAME OF THRONES"
Harriet Walter as Lady Caroline Collingwood  for ("Pre-Nuptial") in "SUCCESSION"

AND THE WINNER IS:

JESSICA LANGE AS CONSTANCE LANGDON FOR ("RETURN TO MURDER HOUSE") IN "AMERICAN HORROR STORY: APOCALPYSE"

This is the second win and eighth nomintion for Jessica Lange. She previously won for American Horror Story (2012). She was also nominated for Normal (2003), Grey Gardens (2009), American Horror Story (2013-2014), Feud: Bette and Joan (2017) and with the ensemble of Horace and Pete (2016).

With us coming to the end of the decade it's time to thank television for giving us the Jessica Lange acting content that sadly films have not been able to give us. Her literal return of AHS was everything I needed it to be, playing Constance her greatest character on the antology series really gave me the sense of happiness to see her sink her teeth into this great character again. As a series AHS has become lesser than it's once enjoyable sense and I sort've watch the show out of wanting to complete the series even if I don't get great love of the show anymore. This return to murder house episode did however work for me and Jessica was the main reason for this. Well done to Lange for even committing to come back because you delivered a great turn that I'll remember if I ever think of this eighth season.

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION DESIGN FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Productions Design by Alex DiGerlando; Set Design by Lydia Marks for (“Life is a Cabaret”), Fosse/Verdon
Productions Design by Deborah Riley; Set Design by Rob Cameron for (“Winterfell”), Game of Thrones
Productions Design by Patricio M. Farrell; Set Design by John France for (“Screaming Meemies”), The Haunting of Hill House
Productions Design by Judy Becker; Set Design by Heather Loeffler for (“Pilot”), Pose
Productions Design by John Paino; Set Design by Rebecca Garcia & Amy Wells for (“Closer”), Sharp Objects

AND THE WINNER IS:

PRODUCTION DESIGN BY DEBORAH RILEY; SET DESIGN BY ROB CAMERON FOR ("WINTERFELL"), GAME OF THRONES

This the second consecutive win and fifth nomination for both Deborah Riley and Rob Cameron. Both were previously nominated together for set designing  Game of Thrones (2014-2016).

Budget doesn't always equal greatness but Game of Thrones design elements were incredibly strong even if the story telling quality of the show was not. The set/production designers of this show have been working on it for the second half of seasons and their work has always been great. This first episode was a standout because it brought us fully back to Winterfell where we spent the entire first half of this final season until the climatic battle with the dead. It been a while since we'd fully explored Winterfell as much as we did in this episode and it was wonderful to see the designers keep the consistent design of the earlier season. This team have really done wonders in set designing.

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

James Cromwell as Ewan Roy for ("I Went to Market") in "SUCCESSION"
Clark Jackson as Mr. Richards for ("Pilot") in "POSE"
Michael McKean as Charles Lindbergh "Chuck" McGill, Jr. for ("Piñata") in "BETTER CALL SAUL"
Christopher Meloni as Dick Ford for ("The Fever") in "POSE"
Dermot Mulroney as Anthony for ("Optics") in "HOMECOMING"
Jeremy Allen White as Shrier for ("Optics") in "HOMECOMING"

AND THE WINNER IS:

JEREMY ALLEN WHITE AS SHRIER FOR ("OPTICS") IN "HOMECOMING"

This is the first win and fifth nomination for Jeremy Allen White. He was previously nominated for Shameless (2014) & with the ensemble of Shameless (2014-2015, 2017).

Now that we can firmly say Homecoming was overlooked by the Emmy's, one of the strongest elements of this underrated streaming series was Jeremy Allen White. Already familiar with both his skill for comedy and drama I was so happy to see him be even greater in a small featured role in the beginning episodes of the first season. He played well off lead Stephan James and shone a lot during his multiple breakdown moments as he's character struggled with his life. Most who watch this series and have never seen Shameless really get a great introduction to his talent and prehaps will go and seek out the latter series which has been on television for nearly a decade now.

OUTSTANDING MUSIC COMPOSITION FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Ramin Djawadi for (“The Long Night”), Game of Thrones
The Newton Brothers for (“Steven Sees a Ghost”), The Haunting of Hill House
Max Richter for ("The Dolls”), My Brilliant Friend
Jeff Richmond & Giancarlo Vulcano for (“Kimmy Says Bye!”), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt!
Kris Bowers for (“Part 2”), When They See Us

AND THE WINNER IS:

RAMIN DJAWADI FOR ("THE LONG NIGHT"), GAME OF THRONES

This is the third win and fourth nomination for Ramin Djawadi. He previously won for scoring Game of Thrones (2016) and for the main titles theme music of Game of Thrones (2011). He was also nominated for scoring Game of Thrones (2018).

Another day another great musical score by Djawadi. The music of Game of Thrones is basically as iconic as the show is. Each new track and remixed piece of score provides some familiarity to the show and makes the narrative as effective as it can be.

OUTSTANDING MAIN TITLES DESIGN

Game of Thrones
Gentleman Jack
The Haunting of Hill House
My Brilliant Friend
Pose

AND THE WINNER IS:

GAME OF THRONES

These are the first wins and nominations for Shahana Khan, Rustam Hasanov. Angus Wall & Kirk Shintani each won for designing Game of Thrones (2011). Angus also won for Big Love (2006) and was nominated for Carnivale (2004).

OUTSTANDING MAIN TITLES THEME MUSIC

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Gentleman Jack
The Haunting of Hill House
The Little Drummer Girl
My Brilliant Friend

AND THE WINNER IS:

GENTLEMAN JACK

This is the first win and nomination for Murray Gold for her main titles theme music for Gentleman Jack.

OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOVIE

American Horror Story: Apocalpyse (“Traitor”)
Catch-22 ("Episode 2")
Game of Thrones (“The Long Night”)
The Haunting of Hill House (“The Bent-Neck Lady”)
Maniac (“Having a Day”)

AND THE WINNER IS:

GAME OF THRONES ("THE LONG NIGHT")

This is the seventh win and eight nomination for the visual effects department of Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones always has invested in great effects and as in every other season they are the best for television. This episode included a three way flying dragon fight, an endless battle scene with army of the dead and the breaking down of the army as they were finally defeated. Winter came and was expertly created by the visual effects team.

OUTSTANDING MAKEUP FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOVIE

The Act (“Stay Inside”)
Fosse/Verdon (“Life is a Cabaret”)
The Haunting of Hill House (“Screaming Meemies”)
Pose (“The Fever”)
Sharp Objects (“Vanish”)

AND THE WINNER IS:

POSE ("THE FEVER")

This is the first win and nominated for the makeup department of Pose.

Can't really say much except to praise this team. Whether it be the beauty of the ball scene, the horror of the sickness or the ordinariness of the world outside the queer community the subtle and obvious makeup done on Pose is well appreciated. The team as with most working on the show have created something brilliant.

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Michele Clapton for (“Winterfell”), Game of Thrones
Tom Pye for (“Are You Still Talking?”), Gentleman Jack
Sheena Napier & Steven Noble for (“Episode #2”), The Little Drummer Girl
Donna Zakowska for (“Simone”), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Lou Eyrich & Analucia McGorty for (“Pilot”), Pose

AND THE WINNER IS:

MICHELE CLAPTON FOR ("WINTERFELL"), GAME OF THRONES

This is the second win and sixth nomination for Michele Clapton. She previously won for Game of Thrones (2014) and was also nominated for Game of Thrones (2012-2013, 2018) & The Crown (2017).

How exciting period / fantasy costumes can be and Michele Clapton the main costume designer (except that one horribly costumed season) on Game of Thrones has been doing incredible work the whole time. Everything is bigger on Game of Thrones and the detailing in costumes is so impressive that while I question who is making all these clothing in the reality that is the show I'm just in awe of the production craftsmanship. This first episode had to reintroduce us to these characters after a nearly two year break and with the war approaching there was some great war costuming created. Special attention to Sansa's armour mixed costume as she prepares for her power position in the war. While I didn't always race to reward the show for it's costumes I've always adored the work done and can confidently say it's one of the aspects of the final season I cannot fault.

OUTSTANDING EDITING FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Gary Dollner for (“Episode 4"), Fleabag
Justin Krohn for (“Protocol”), Homecoming
Adam Penn for (“Pilot”), Pose
Véronique Barbe, Dominique Champagne, Justin Lachance, Maxime Lahaie, Jai M. Vee & Émile Vallée for (“Cherry”), Sharp Objects
Terilyn A. Shropshire for (“Part 1”), When They See Us

AND THE WINNER IS:

VÈRONIQUE BARBE, DOMINIQUE CHAMPAGNE, JUSTIN LACHANCE, MAXIME LAHAIE, JAI M. VEE & ÈMILE VALLEVÈ FOR ("CHERRY"), SHARP OBJECTS

These are the first wins and nominations for Véronique Barbe, Dominique Champagne,Jai M. Vee & Émile Vallée. Justin Lachance & Maxime Lahaie are both nominated for the second time having won previously for Big Little Lies (2017).

Similar to how the cinematography of Sharp Objects was an essential part of it's story telling so to was the editing. As with Vallée's previous television product Big Little Lies the sharp cutting repetitive editing technique effectively worked for this particular narrative. Even more so with this series to quick cuts to establishing flashbacks really amouted in a compelling narrative from the opening montage of the first episode to the cut to black of the season finale. "Cherry" the standout editing episode for me features the wild party Camille and Amma go to. This moment for the series is featured in the clip above and was purely captivating to watch as these two girls moved through a universe while under the influence. The fact that the editing team was of more that a couple editors shows how even with so much creative input a product can be effectively delivered.

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

Nicole Byer as Trudy Judy for ("A Tale of Two Bandits") in "BROOKLYN NINE-NINE"
Tovah Feldshuh as Naomi Bunch for ("I Will Help You") in "CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND"
Jackie Hoffman as Lorraine for ("Chase Goes to a High School Dance") in "THE OTHER TWO"
Fiona Shaw as Fleabag's counsellor for ("Episode 2") in "FLEABAG"
Wanda Sykes as Shuli Kucerac for ("Chase Gets the Gays") in "THE OTHER TWO"
Kristin Scott Thomas as Belinda for ("Episode 3") in "FLEABAG"

AND THE WINNER IS:

KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS AS BELINDA FOR ("EPISODE 3") IN "FLEABAG"

This is the first win and nomination for Kristin Scott Thomas.

Wow! just Wow. Here begins me sharing my love of Fleabag season 2 (expect a lot more awarding of this show). Thomas when announced to be on the show was such exciting casting I'd have taken her in any amount of time. Thankfully she was heavily featured (even if for one episode) and she did not disappoint. The above scene is the shining moment for Kristin and how effortlessly she plays opposite Waller-Bridge. Everything said by Belinda in this episode speaks volumes and in casting an actress of Thomas' caliber it amounts to a spectacular performance and a spectacular episode of television.

OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOVIE

Tony Miller for (“Episode 4”), Fleabag
Fabio Cianchetti for (“The Dolls”), My Brilliant Friend
Nelson Cragg for (“Pilot”), Pose
Yves Bélanger & Ronald Plante for (“Falling”), Sharp Objects
Bradford Young for (“Part 4”), When They See Us

AND THE WINNER IS:

YVES BÈLANGER & RONALD PLANTE FOR ("FALLING"), SHARP OBJECTS

These are the first wins and nominations for Yves Bélanger & Ronald Plante.

Television in the summer of 2018 was about two things for me. One was Pose and the other was Sharp Objects. Based on the Gillian Flynn novel it was one of the most captivating pieces of art I'd seen all year. The miniseries (please no second season!!) was incredible on so many levels. It winning my cinematography award is due to the great way in which the two DP's captured the scary nature of the southern gothic town both in and out of the sun. The penultimate episode really stood out it terms of it's photography whether it was the late night return to the Parker household when Camille discovers her families connection to the small town crimes that brought her home or the scenes during the day which led her to finally return home. The way in which these DP's capture the women on this show is so great whether it be the seemingly perfectness of Adora or the dark sadness of Camille and Amma. Great work by this team.